Johannesburg – South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has confirmed that the transfer of the G20 presidency to the United States will be handled by junior officials from both countries after Washington opted not to send senior representatives to the summit in Johannesburg.
Lamola addressed the matter on Saturday at the G20 Leaders Summit, the first to be hosted on African soil, where he explained why President Cyril Ramaphosa would not lead the symbolic handover as tradition dictates. World leaders concluded the two day gathering with a closing ceremony that typically marks the passing of the G20 gavel to the incoming chair.
He said Pretoria was informed that the US delegation would attend the closing ceremony only for the handover and would not participate in the summit’s agenda. According to Lamola, Washington communicated late and indicated that its chargé d’affaires stationed in South Africa would receive the gavel. 
He told journalists that South Africa found it fitting to match the level of representation sent by the US. Dirco will therefore assign an equivalent official to manage the handover.
Lamola noted that heads of state or senior government representatives from other non attending leaders had sent properly designated officials who participated fully in the summit’s sessions. He said the protocol for such transitions requires either a head of state or a senior minister, particularly when dealing with a forum of the G20’s stature.
Following the US decision, Lamola said the handover will take place at Dirco’s offices on Monday or on another day agreed upon by both parties. All documents and items linked to the G20 presidency will be transferred there.
He added that the move mirrors the treatment South Africa received from Washington and insisted the country has no intention of causing offence or harming diplomatic ties. He said Dirco regards a chargé d’affaires as equivalent to an official ambassador, and therefore the exchange remains within acceptable diplomatic practice.
Lamola maintained that the adjustment in protocol should not deepen tensions between the two countries and assured that South Africa remains ready for a smooth transfer of responsibilities.
